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Original poster

**Tamoxigang 53** Roll up, roll up... Anyone with any cancer (or test-waiting) welcome!

990 replies

MarthaCostello · 18/07/2015 23:19

Good evening all,

The old thread had nearly run out when I posted so I have taken the liberty of starting a new one before it fills up completely.

I hope the title is OK - there isn't actually that much room, I was trying to fit in that people should come along even if they haven't been diagnosed yet.

If you're new here welcome to the Tamoxigang thread. This is a great place for anyone with any type of cancer (it originally started out as those taking Tamoxifen for breast cancer, hence the name, but has expanded). Please introduce yourself and make yourself comfortable! You're more than welcome here if you haven't been diagnosed yet too, sometimes people find it helpful to talk through their fears whilst waiting for results. And we will hold your hand until you find out, and hopefully wave you on your way with an all-clear :) Flowers

There is almost always someone around to chat, or to answer any questions. Nothing is off-limits here. This is somewhere to offload any fears and frustrations, in a safe place where someone will have been there before.

I hope everyone has been enjoying the gorgeous summery weather Flowers

OP posts:
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5
Sixpencenonethericher · 18/09/2015 12:47

Hi everyone hope your all ok I've got my gynaecologist apt later already had bloods and scan and internal scan what will they do today x

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 18/09/2015 13:50

Sixpence sorry, I can't help with what to expect at the appointment, but will be thinking of you today Flowers

Sixpencenonethericher · 18/09/2015 14:01

Thank you xxx

Sixpencenonethericher · 18/09/2015 18:23

I'm back had another internal and bloods taken she said if it's very high ca125 then they will remove them xx

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 18/09/2015 20:49

Hi Sixpence, I will keep fingers crossed for the blood results :) how are you feeling?

Sixpencenonethericher · 18/09/2015 21:07

I'm feeling a bit calmer now xx

l4k · 19/09/2015 13:52

Hello, not sure if anyone can help but I have a question and thought you might be the people to askSmile
I have a lump ( hard, painless not moveable) in my armpit that I first noticed about 6 weeks ago. Was referred for an ultrasound by GP and am surprised to find its at the breast clinic. Anyone else been to the breast clinic with an armpit lump? It's hard to judge the size but aprox a grape would be similar.
I've had support from ladies on this thread a few years back when everyone thought I had DCIS ( surgeon, radiologist at clinic) but after spending ages on core biopsy examination it was decided it was benign.
Hope it's a coincidence it's the same side. Also, have family history (mum 37)
Anyway, armpit lump? Anyone?
l4k

Rivercam · 19/09/2015 14:14

With breast cancer, they test the lymph nodes in the arm pits, as that's the first place the cancer spreads after the breast ( or at least, I think that is what happens). Therefore, the breast clinic is set up to test in that area.

I was investigated earlier this year for womb cancer and had internal scans 'down below'. The scan was done in the ultrasound dept, and I found myself in the waiting room with a lot of pregnant women. They probably thought I was an ancient mum-to-be!

l4k · 19/09/2015 14:28

That's what I was expecting rivercam, ultrasound dept. I'm too old for that at 42, so I'd get some strange looks!
Appointment is on Tuesday so I will find out soon I suppose. Unless they want a biopsy then I will have that horrible wait for results. Still, got to just go and see what they say.
Thank you.

Rivercam · 19/09/2015 14:35

Make sure you are not wearing a stripey top, because that seemed to be the main fashion of the pregnant women I saw!

Fortunately, for cancer, results tend to come through pretty quickly, so,hopefully you won't have to wait too long.

l4k · 19/09/2015 19:02

Don't worry, I don't do stripes!
Let's hope you're right that I don't have to do much waitingConfused my brain just goes off on one and drives me mad!

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 22/09/2015 09:43

Good luck today l4k :) I think I remember you posting before, sorry you've had to join us again, but I hope it is only a flying visit!

Waving to everyone else. I hope you're all doing OK Star

l4k · 22/09/2015 18:12

Thank you whatwould, I read your message while waiting for the consultant to come and examin me so that was nice.
It's all fine, the lump has gone down a little and they said there's nothing but normal tissue there. Also they found and checked a lumpy area which was just fibrocystic tissue and duct ectasia(?) I was told with my family history to come back if there are ever any changes and everyone was lovey.
So I'm much relieved.
Good luck to all on this thread.

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 23/09/2015 12:13

That's wonderful news l4k :) StarFlowers

dinster · 23/09/2015 12:49

Hello, please may I join? I've just left an appointment that I thought was going to tell me I had a fibroadenoma with news that I have a grade 3 lump. Surgery scheduled but apparently I may be able to go without chemo. Not sure what to tell work re time off - could anyone advise?
I haven't told anyone yet...

dinster · 23/09/2015 12:53

Also sorry if that was a bit random or abrupt - I'm still a bit shocked! Hello to everyone here!

Lilymaid · 23/09/2015 13:14

Hello Dinster and sorry you have to join the thread no one wants to join (though we are all very nice). Difficult to say what you should do about work until you have a treatment plan. Will you have a lumpectomy, radiation treatment ...?
I've only had chemo, during which I worked part time or from home for several months.

dinster · 23/09/2015 14:19

Thanks for the welcome, Lilymaid, and for your experience. Hope you're doing ok. The plan is lumpectomy and radiotherapy first, then decide about chemo depending on what the surgery shows...

mrsrhodgilbert · 23/09/2015 18:37

Hi dinster, sorry you have to join us. I was diagnosed in May2014. I had a lumpectomy on 21 May, then a few weeks recovery. I then had radiotherapy, 15 sessions over the first three weeks of July. I don't work so I didn't have to worry about an employer. However after surgery it probably took a month to feel comfortable, I had surgery in my armpit too to check some lymph nodes. To be honest that wound was the more painful and restricting. It's usual to check lymph nodes so you'll probably have this.

I suppose it depends what your job is. Many people are able to work from home, if that's an option. Radiotherapy can make you very tired too so you may need time off after that, depending on how far away your hospital is. My whole treatment lasted two months, no chemo. I think it would be reasonable to take that time off.

If you have any more questions please ask.

dinster · 23/09/2015 20:10

Thanks so much mrsrhod, it's really helpful to have more idea of what's ahead and it sounds like my treatment may be quite similar to yours. I hope things are ok for you at the moment.

The nurse said radiotherapy didn't really have side effects so it's good to be a bit prepared.

I told work and they were lovely so that's a big help.

mrsrhodgilbert · 23/09/2015 20:23

Dinster, it was very doable. Uncomfortable obviously, as surgery is, but I never needed more than paracetamol and ibuprofen. Most people have no trouble with radiotherapy, the problem is going every day for 15 days. My hospital was thirty minutes away, some people have to travel much further.

You'll probably find your mind is all over the place so if you need to ask, moan, scream, cry we have all been there, this is your place. Sometimes it's nice to talk to people who aren't family and friends, plus we're fairly knowledgable.

dinster · 23/09/2015 20:33

Thank you; I think it's still sinking in a bit but reading threads on here and seeing your reply is really encouraging. And it's great to know there's wise and kind support here.

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 24/09/2015 09:42

Welcome dinster, but sorry you've had to join us Flowers

Lilymaid · 25/09/2015 08:18

Off to hospital this morning for a new round of IV chemo, Epirubicin. Course will be three weekly until January. Apparently it is less fierce than Tax so I am hoping I can work as usual most days.
Not looking forward to the nausea and hair loss (apart from chin hairs and moustache). Large jug of water, ginger biscuits and thermometer ready!
Hope everyone has a good weekend. I expect to spend mine on the sofa watching daytime TV.

royalmama · 25/09/2015 08:33

Hi Lilly, had my third course on Tuesday and am still struggling with the fatigue and abdominal discomfort. Hope yours goes well today!

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